In a chilling moment during today’s game, Trevor Lawrence exhibited a disturbing “fencing response” on the field after a brutal and unnecessary hit from Azeez Al-Shaair. The incident raises serious concerns about player safety and highlights the dangers of illegal hits in football. As a result of this dangerous play, Lawrence showed clear signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which led to immediate medical attention.
Dr. Brian Suder, a specialist in sports medicine, provides a detailed explanation of the events surrounding this frightening injury. According to Dr. Suder, the first blow occurred when Al-Shaair struck Lawrence in the head with his left forearm, delivering a forceful hit directly to the front of Lawrence’s skull. This kind of contact can result in disruption of the neurons in the brain, which is commonly seen in concussions. The impact likely caused the brain to move inside the skull, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
But what made this hit particularly concerning was the second effect it had on Lawrence’s head. The force of the initial blow caused Lawrence’s head to rotate sharply, putting significant stress on the brain stem. This kind of rotational force is extremely dangerous, as it can disrupt crucial areas of the brain responsible for basic functions like breathing and movement. It was after this sudden movement that Lawrence exhibited the “fencing response.”
The fencing response is a sign of a traumatic brain injury and involves an involuntary extension of one arm while the other may flex. This abnormal positioning of the limbs is caused by the activation of the lateral vestibular nuclei in the brainstem. This area of the brain is involved in controlling movement and balance. When it’s injured, it can cause the muscles to contract in abnormal ways, leading to the arm extending out in a rigid position.
Dr. Suder explains that this response is linked to a primitive reflex that infants have when they fall, known as the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR). When a baby falls, their brainstem sends signals to their muscles to protect the body, often resulting in the arms extending outward. In the case of Lawrence, this reflex was reactivated due to the traumatic impact on his brainstem. The fencing response is a clear and alarming sign of brain injury, and it is one of the definitive signs used by medical professionals to diagnose a concussion on the field.
After the initial blow and the subsequent fall, Lawrence’s head struck the turf, which may have exacerbated the injury. This secondary impact further intensified the trauma to his brain, leading to a more severe concussion. The fencing response was evident when Lawrence’s left arm extended out and his right arm remained flexed. This posture, seen in cases of significant brain injury, left no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
Thankfully, Lawrence was carefully removed from the field and transported in a cart, which suggested that medical staff did not suspect a spinal injury. This is a positive sign, as it means Lawrence was likely conscious and able to communicate with the medical team. However, the fencing response itself was enough to confirm the concussion diagnosis, and Lawrence was immediately ruled out of the game.
It’s important to note that the incident calls attention to the need for stricter enforcement of player safety regulations. The hit was clearly illegal, as Lawrence was in a vulnerable position, sliding to the ground. Al-Shaair’s decision to deliver such a dangerous blow to the quarterback was completely uncalled for and unnecessary. While contact with quarterbacks during slides can sometimes be incidental, this particular hit was egregious and put Lawrence’s health at serious risk.
The big question now is how long Lawrence will be out. While it’s too early to determine the full extent of his injury, the fencing response indicates a significant brain injury, and recovery could take some time. The severity of the concussion, any associated injuries, and Lawrence’s response to treatment will determine when he is cleared to return to play.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety in football, especially in protecting the heads and necks of players. Concussions are a serious issue in the sport, and incidents like this underscore the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the well-being of players at all levels of competition.
We hope that Trevor Lawrence makes a full and speedy recovery from this traumatic injury, and that steps are taken to prevent similar situations in the future. Thank you for watching, and feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
